Al Horford Emphasizes Celtics’ Composure Approaching Midseason

The Boston Celtics went 2-1 to start this stretch after a controversial loss to the Indiana Pacers, finishing their two-game set in Indiana on Monday night.

The Celtics have a notably tough schedule starting this week, featuring a back-to-back with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks through the month of January. Right around Marcus Smart's return to Boston on Feb. 4.

Facing arguably their toughest stretch of the season, Boston will have high-caliber matchups with teams such as the reigning champion Denver Nuggets, rivals Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, and the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers.

Al Horford spoke about the Celtics' schedule ahead recently at shootaround.

"Not looking ahead," the five-time All-Star said prior to last Friday's matchup with the Utah Jazz. "You know, not looking ahead to January and looking at the schedule, like I mean, yeah, I've looked at it, but I'm not gonna dwell spending time on that part of it. Like I think, the biggest thing for us is, and we've had this approach, and it's been good and we're gonna be tested on it."